8 Best Aluminum Hitch Cargo Carriers (October 2026)
The best aluminum hitch cargo carriers include the MaxxHaul 70108 Aluminum Hitch Cargo Carrier for high side rails, the CURT 18113 Black Aluminum Hitch Carrier for a one-piece basket, and the MaxxHaul 50149 Folding Aluminum Carrier for folding storage.
On this page (3 sections)
The MaxxHaul 70108 is the best aluminum hitch cargo carrier for most buyers, with 7.25 in side rails, a 500 lb capacity and a 49 x 22.5 in basket. The CURT 18113 has a welded one-piece basket, while the folding MaxxHaul 50149 can fold up when you aren't carrying cargo.
An aluminum basket can be easier to handle than a comparable steel basket, but some carriers still use steel below the platform. Compare the full assembly, basket dimensions, rail height and receiver fit before choosing.
If you need a carrier for an SUV specifically, compare these picks with our guide to the best hitch cargo carriers for SUVs. For an enclosed option, see hitch cargo carriers that come with a bag.
Our picks at a glance
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1
Best for high side railsMaxxHaul 70108 Aluminum Hitch Cargo Carrier
8.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a one-piece basketCURT 18113 Black Aluminum Hitch Carrier
8.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
- 4
Check itMaxxHaul Aluminum Carrier with Tightener
Best for an included tightener - 5
Check itMaxxHaul 70422 Aluminum Carrier with Stabilizer
Best for a compact basket with stabilizer - 6
Check itUltra-Tow Aluminum Hitch Cargo Carrier
Best for tall side rails - 7
Check itMaxxHaul 60x22 Aluminum Cargo Basket
Best for a long open platform - 8
Check itGoplus Aluminum Hitch Cargo Basket
Best for 7 in rails on a long basket
Which aluminum hitch cargo carriers stand out?
The MaxxHaul 70108 earns the top spot for its high rails and tie-down points, while the other picks suit different space and setup needs. Choose a basket size that fits your cargo and leaves the rear of your vehicle usable.
MaxxHaul 70108 Aluminum Hitch Cargo Carrier: Best for high side rails
- 49 x 22.5 in outer basket
- 7.25 in high rails
- 500 lb capacity
- Steel under support frame
High rails and multiple tie-down points help contain varied cargo. The steel support frame pairs with a rust-resistant aluminum basket.
Pros
- High side rails
- Multiple tie-down points
- Reflectors and red corner accents
Cons
- Fits 2 in receivers
- Not described as folding
The 70108 is a practical first choice if you want high rails around a mid-size platform. Its outer basket measures 49.25 x 22.5 in, and its 7.25 in sides give more containment than the 4 in walls on the CURT.
The basket is extruded aluminum, while the under-support frame and 2 x 2 in hitch shaft are steel. It fits standard Class III and IV 2 in receivers and has a stated 500 lb capacity.
Multiple tie-down points let you secure cargo with straps or a net. Reflector lenses and red corner accents add visibility, but they don't replace checking that your load stays secure and doesn't block vehicle lights.
Choose this model if you prefer a contained basket for camping gear, luggage or other items that need tie-down points. Measure bulky cargo against its inner basket size of 47.25 x 20.25 x 6 in.
CURT 18113 Black Aluminum Hitch Carrier: Best for a one-piece basket
- 49 x 22.5 in basket
- 4 in walls
- 500 lb capacity
- Welded aluminum construction
The welded one-piece aluminum basket has 4 in walls and integrated reflectors. Its fixed shank fits a standard 2 in receiver.
Pros
- Welded one-piece design
- Integrated reflectors
- Carbide black powder coat
Cons
- 4 in walls are lower than some picks
- Fixed shank
The CURT 18113 suits buyers who want a welded, one-piece aluminum basket with a fixed 2 in shank. Its 49 x 22.5 in platform is close in size to the MaxxHaul 70108, but its walls are 4 in high.
The carrier has a 500 lb capacity and integrated reflectors. CURT describes its aluminum construction and carbide black powder coat as corrosion resistant.
The one-piece basket is a useful distinction if you want fewer basket parts to assemble. The carrier also uses a four-bolt design and includes a hitch pin.
Choose it when a lower side wall and black finish suit your cargo and vehicle. If you need taller rails to hold loose or stacked items, compare the 70108 or the 8 in rail Ultra-Tow.
MaxxHaul 50149 Folding Aluminum Carrier: Best for folding storage
- 50 x 22 in basket
- Folds when not in use
- 500 lb distributed capacity
- High side rails
The basket folds up when not in use, which helps when you want to leave the carrier mounted. Raised rails add tie-down points.
Pros
- Folds when not in use
- High side rails
- Basket arrives assembled
Cons
- Steel under-support frame
- Fits standard 2 in receivers
The MaxxHaul 50149 is the pick for a carrier that folds up when not in use. Its 50 x 22 in basket has 5 in high rails and a stated 500 lb distributed capacity.
The basket arrives assembled, and you attach the steel under-support frame with its 2 x 2 in shaft. It fits standard Class III and IV 2 in receivers.
Folding can help when the carrier stays on the vehicle between trips, but it still occupies space behind the vehicle. Check whether the folded position works with your rear access and parking space.
Choose this one if folding storage matters more than a stabilizer being included. Its raised rails also provide multiple tie-down points.
MaxxHaul Aluminum Carrier with Tightener: Best for an included tightener
- 500 lb capacity
- Hitch tightener included
- High side rails
- 2 in receiver
The included hitch tightener is intended to reduce rattle and side-to-side wobble. High rails and reflectors add useful cargo and visibility features.
Pros
- Hitch tightener included
- High side rails
- Reflectors and red corner accents
Cons
- Steel under-support frame
- Fits 2 in receivers
This MaxxHaul carrier includes a hitch tightener intended to reduce rattle and side-to-side wobble. Its outer basket measures 49.25 x 22.5 x 7.25 in, and it has a stated 500 lb capacity.
The aluminum basket uses a heavy-duty steel under-support frame and a 2 x 2 in shaft for standard Class III and IV receivers. High side rails provide tie-down points, with reflector lenses and red corner accents for visibility.
The tightener is the main reason to choose this version over a similar open basket. It offers a way to snug the carrier in the receiver without adding a separate stabilizer.
Check the carrier and cargo weight against your vehicle's limits. The 500 lb carrier capacity is not the same as the vehicle's tongue-weight limit.
MaxxHaul 70422 Aluminum Carrier with Stabilizer: Best for a compact basket with stabilizer
- 48 x 21 in basket
- 500 lb capacity
- Stabilizer included
- Raised side rails
This pick pairs an aluminum basket with a steel hitch bar and an included anti-rattle stabilizer. Its basket is more compact than the 60 x 22 in options.
Pros
- Stabilizer included
- Reflectors built in
- Raised rails provide tie-down points
Cons
- Smaller basket than 60 x 22 in models
- Steel hitch bar and frame
The MaxxHaul 70422 makes sense if you want a compact basket with a stabilizer included. Its basket measures 48 x 21 in, and the package includes an anti-rattle hitch stabilizer.
The aluminum basket sits on a powder-coated steel hitch bar and frame. It fits standard 2 in Class III and IV receivers and has a 500 lb capacity.
This smaller footprint can suit gear that doesn't need a 60 in platform. Raised rails offer tie-down points, and built-in reflectors add visibility.
Choose it when the included stabilizer and shorter basket fit your needs. For more detail on movement and fit, read how a hitch cargo carrier stabilizer works.
Ultra-Tow Aluminum Hitch Cargo Carrier: Best for tall side rails
- 60 x 22.5 in platform
- 8 in high rails
- 500 lb capacity
- Rear safety reflector
Its 8 in rails are the tallest stated in this group, and the 60 in platform offers a long loading area. The carrier fits standard Class III and IV 2 in receivers.
Pros
- Tall 8 in side rails
- 60 in platform length
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- 37 lb carrier weight
- Some assembly required
The Ultra-Tow is the long-platform choice for buyers who want 8 in side rails. Its platform measures 60 x 22.5 in, and the stated capacity is 500 lb.
The carrier is aluminum and has a rear safety reflector. It fits standard Class III and IV 2 in receivers, and some assembly is required.
Its taller rails can help contain cargo, but they also affect how easily you can load and unload items from the sides. Compare the inside space, 58.2 x 20.6 x 6.75 in, with your bins or gear.
Choose this one for long cargo that benefits from the extra platform length and rail height. The stated carrier weight is 37 lb, so account for that when checking your vehicle's limits.
MaxxHaul 60x22 Aluminum Cargo Basket: Best for a long open platform
- 60 x 22 in platform
- 500 lb capacity
- Aluminum basket
- Steel under-support frame
The 60 in platform provides more length than the compact baskets. Its open-floor basket includes reflectors and raised rails.
Pros
- Long 60 in platform
- Reflector strips and red corners
- Multiple tie-down points
Cons
- Steel under-support frame
- Side rail height is not stated
The MaxxHaul 60 x 22 carrier offers a long, open-floor platform for cargo that needs more length than a compact basket. It has a 500 lb capacity and fits a 2 x 2 in hitch receiver.
The basket is aluminum, with a steel under-support frame and hitch shaft. Reflector strips and red corners add visibility, while raised rails provide tie-down points.
The rail height isn't stated, so don't choose it based on a specific wall height. Compare the 60 x 22 in platform with your cargo and leave room to secure it.
Choose this model when platform length matters more than a folding feature or included stabilizer. Our guide to choosing a hitch-mounted cargo carrier covers other fit and setup checks.
Goplus Aluminum Hitch Cargo Basket: Best for 7 in rails on a long basket
- 60 x 22 x 7 in basket
- 500 lb capacity
- Aluminum frame
- 2 reflectors
A 60 x 22 in basket and 7 in rails give this carrier a large, contained loading area. Its under-support frame is steel.
Pros
- 7 in side rails
- Two reflectors
- Aluminum frame
Cons
- Three main parts require assembly
- Steel under-support frame
The Goplus carrier pairs a 60 x 22 in basket with 7 in rails. It has a 500 lb capacity and fits a 2 in receiver.
The aluminum frame has a steel under-support frame, and the carrier includes two reflectors. The three main parts need assembly.
A 7 in rail height gives more containment than the 4 in CURT walls, while the 60 in platform is longer than the compact baskets in this roundup. Measure your cargo and consider how you will reach items inside the basket.
Choose it if you need a long basket with taller rails and don't mind assembly. Its stated carrier capacity still needs to be weighed against the vehicle and hitch limits.
How should you compare aluminum hitch cargo carriers?
Compare the complete carrier weight, basket dimensions, rail height and receiver fit before choosing an aluminum hitch cargo carrier. The word “aluminum” describes only part of the construction on several models here.
Does the carrier use steel parts?
Many carriers combine an aluminum basket with a steel support frame or hitch bar. The MaxxHaul 70108, 50149 and 60 x 22 basket, for example, all use steel under-support frames.
That matters when lifting, storing or handling the carrier. Check the stated full carrier weight when available, and don't assume the basket material describes every part.
Will the basket fit your cargo?
Compare the inside dimensions with your bins, coolers or luggage. Outer dimensions include the side rails and may overstate the usable floor space.
A 60 in platform gives more length, while a 49 in basket can be easier to manage behind a vehicle. Also consider rail height: higher rails contain cargo, but may make loading from the side less convenient.
What does the capacity number mean?
The carrier's capacity describes its stated load limit. Your vehicle and hitch can have lower limits, so the allowed cargo load depends on the full setup.
Tongue weight includes the carrier itself and its cargo. Review what tongue weight means on a hitch and follow the vehicle and hitch maker's limits.
How do you choose the right aluminum carrier?
Choose by the cargo you carry most often, how you store the carrier and whether you want a stabilizer included. Then verify receiver size, load limits and rear clearance.
For taller sides on a mid-size basket, start with the MaxxHaul 70108. Pick the CURT for its welded one-piece basket, the 50149 for folding, or the 70422 when a stabilizer and compact platform matter.
If you're comparing basket materials, read steel vs aluminum hitch cargo carriers. For a broader overview of carrier styles and fit, see how to choose a hitch-mounted cargo carrier.
Choose the 70108 for high rails and tie-down points, the 50149 for folding storage, or the Ultra-Tow for an extra-long platform with 8 in rails. Before loading, confirm that the combined carrier and cargo weight stays within your vehicle and hitch limits.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for high side rails
MaxxHaul 70108 Aluminum Hitch Cargo Carrier
8.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a one-piece basket
CURT 18113 Black Aluminum Hitch Carrier
8.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Frequently asked questions
Are aluminum hitch cargo carriers lighter than steel ones?
Aluminum can reduce basket weight, but the full carrier may still use a steel support frame or hitch bar. Compare the complete carrier weight when it is available, and check the receiver and vehicle limits before loading it.
A carrier's own capacity does not raise your vehicle's hitch limit.
What size hitch do aluminum cargo carriers fit?
Many carriers in this roundup fit a standard 2 in receiver. Confirm your receiver opening before buying, since the carrier shank must match the hitch size.
Our hitch size measuring guide explains how to check it.
Does a hitch cargo carrier need a stabilizer?
A stabilizer can help reduce movement between a carrier shank and the receiver. Some options here include one, while others do not, so check whether you want that part in the box or plan to buy it separately.
See whether a hitch cargo carrier needs a stabilizer for more.
Can I use an aluminum hitch carrier on a small car?
Possibly, if the car has a compatible hitch and enough tongue-weight capacity for the carrier plus its cargo. The carrier extends behind the vehicle, so also check clearance and visibility.
Read how to choose a hitch cargo carrier for a car before deciding.
